REVIEW: Man Of Tomorrow #12

Man Of Tomorrow #12 is here and it has been such a great series, and each week I really look forward to reading this issue and seeing yet another inspirational and incredible story featuring my favourite character. Well this issue is no exception, and is possibly one of my favourites from the series itself.

Before we go into the issue, let’s take a look at the cover. I really love this cover by Scott Hepburn, it is a really great concept which is enhanced incredibly by Ian Herring’s colours. I adore the way that you are drawn instantly to Superman despite him not physically being there, like I said a very clever concept. I will say that some of the facial compositions are slightly out of shape for me, but that just once again draws me to focus on Superman – who is perfectly drawn and coloured.

The Daily Planet is about to roll the presses on a story expressing that Superman has taken a day off. The story comes in as some of Superman’s fellow superheroes and also the citizen of Metropolis step in for him on a variety of incidents and tasks. But what exactly is keeping Superman so busy?

Once again Robert Venditti has provided a fantastic Superman story which really shows how great a character he is. In this issue we see how he has both helped and inspired some of the best heroes in the DCU and that is truly inspirational. It also goes a long way to show the effect that Superman has had on both Metropolis and his peers. Although Superman is taking a day off, crime does not and Supergirl, Black Canary, Firestorm and The Flash step in to help defend the city of Metropolis and it’s people.

It’s really great to see these familiar heroes in a Superman comic, it’s something that doesn’t always happen, but it’s even better to see some villains that we haven’t seen for some time. As well as this, citizens of Metropolis are also around to help defend their city, if Superman were there he would be incredibly proud and I did just reading this issue. My personal favourite is the young boy saving a cat from a tree and exclaiming “it’s what Superman would do”. It’s a really sweet moment and it’s just so touching, and I adore it.

Whilst all of this is going on, Superman is stepping in for Atlas taking on his incredible burden whilst he attends to a personal matter. This whole idea is just pure Superman. Taking on an impossible burden to help others, even though there is no physical benefit to him. This is quintessential Superman. I’d love more stories like this, ones where Superman isn’t fighting a mega-mind or larger than life villain, but where he is just helping out. Sometimes it’s those stories that really show and represent Superman perfectly, and that can certainly be said for this issue.

I am extremely intrigued by the final pages of this issue, which was also teased in the last pages of the previous issue – Metallo. We don’t know too much of what’s going on here just yet, but it certainly doesn’t sound good for Superman. What is the connection between Metallo and General Lane, who just so happens to be Lois’ father? I am eager to see how this situation plays out both physically and also emotionally as Lois is bound to find the connection at some point.

The artwork is just as good. I don’t know what it is but there’s something about the artwork and style in this issue (well a few panels to be exact) that reminds me of the images in GTA when you’re waiting for the game to load. That isn’t a bad thing at all, there are some moments that are perfectly drawn and coloured by Scott Hepburn and Ian Hemming.

I really love the texture of the artwork and that’s down to the shading and the colours too. You can really sense the materials of surfaces and clothing, it’s just so effective and so realistic and the colours are just gorgeous. The pair incredibly good at thinking out of the box.. literally in this case. I love the way that Superman is pictured on numerous pages holding up the panels as he takes Atlas’ place, it’s so clever and I love the whole concept of it.

Once again Man Of Tomorrow has provided us with yet another brilliant addition to the series. I’ve said this many times before but I adore this series and I cannot wait to see more of this creative team and story-line.

Haven’t read the Man Of Tomorrow #12 yet? You can read the issue online via the Read DC website. Or if you prefer Comixology, you can get the issue here (UK), or here (US).